Leitrim Food Strategy 2017-2021

The Leitrim Food Strategy, commissioned by Leitrim County Council and the Local Enterprise Office Leitrim, has set ambitious targets in the creation of 250 new jobs in the sector. There are currently at least 534 full time equivalent employees in the food sector, excluding agriculture. Leitrim is somewhat unique in that, there has been no one large “Food” employer in the county since the closure of Bo Peep jam factory in Drumshanbo with the loss of 100 jobs in the 1990s. Rather, employment is diversified across smaller food businesses; hard working businesses connected to their communities.

Launching the strategy, Leitrim County Council, Chief Executive Frank Curran said that “the development of this strategy is a very positive one for the food community in County Leitrim, the 8 priorities identified are hugely important to build upon. Leitrim has a fantastic reputation and the capability to do great things when it comes to food, we have a natural and un-spoilt environment. The added value of the food Hub which is doing phenomenal work in terms of social enterprise, the Organic Centre as a centre of excellence in terms of organic food and training and our food tourism trails which span the county are an excellent platform to build on”.